Making a difference

real stories:

How the Shelter charity helped Mel:

“Mel and her three daughters had nowhere else to go, but the moment her husband threatened to kill four-year-old Olivia, Mel knew she had no choice but to leave their home.

They desperately needed somewhere safe and secure to stay, but instead they were given a freezing room in an outbuilding far away from the main property. They were so isolated that no one would hear them if they shouted for help. There was only one way in and out, so there was no way for them to get out quickly if they needed to.

Thankfully Mel got in touch with Shelter and our adviser, Jasbinder, was able to help her protect her children by finding them a better place to live.

Jasbinder told the council they urgently needed to move the family out of the unsafe accommodation. After that, Mel’s family were quickly moved somewhere safer where they felt less at risk of an attack and where Olivia’s asthma was under control.

She made sure that the family were protected from any contact with her ex-husband and his associates, and that Mel’s children were protected when they attended court in two separate cases against her ex-husband.

Jasbinder supported Mel by ensuring that she did not have to pay the debts which her ex-husband owed and as money was tight for Mel we gave her children toys and gifts for Christmas.

She helped Mel to apply for social housing and Mel soon found a new permanent home far away from her ex-husband. It’s affordable and has enough room for her children to play in and do their homework.”